Derry and Strabane: Council votes not to celebrate NI centenary

Crowds gathered outside Belfast City Hall in June 1921 for the opening of the Northern Ireland parliament

Unionists have described a Derry City and Strabane District Council vote against marking the centenary of Northern Ireland as "a retrograde step".

The motion was passed at a meeting on Thursday.

It means the council will not participate in any commemorative or celebratory events next year.

Northern Ireland was created in 1921 following the partition of Ireland.

DUP MLA Gary Middleton said the vote was a "huge blow for community relations".

"This is a retrograde step which should disappoint anyone focused on mutual respect and understanding," he said.

DUP MLA Gary Middleton said many people would be disappointed by the council vote

Mr Middleton added: "Regardless of anyone's viewpoint, the centenary of Northern Ireland is a significant milestone in our shared history."

The motion, proposed by independent councillor Gary Donnelly called on council not to commemorate or celebrate any event in relation to the centenary of NI 2021 given "the injustice of partition".

It passed with 27 votes for and 10 against.

Speaking at the council meeting DUP councillor David Ramsey said council is being asked "to take a stand which to my eyes and the eyes of many, is sectarian".

Ulster Unionist councillor Darren Guy said the vote was "senseless".

'No inclusiveness'

"This council prides itself on inclusiveness and equality," he said.

"There is no inclusiveness in this proposal".

The board of the pro-union North West Cultural Partnership group said it is seeking an urgent meeting with the chief executive of the council to discuss the issue.

In a statement, it said: "We will be tabling our views on the actions of councillors in approving a motion... which threatens to position the pro-union community as cultural and historical outcasts within the city and council area."

It said it will also raise the matter with representatives of all political parties, the communities minister and the Northern Ireland Office.

'Not supportive of partition'

At Thursday's full council meeting, all SDLP and Sinn Féin representatives voted in favour of the motion.

Sinn Féin councillor Mickey Cooper said council should pursue funding for community groups wishing to mark the centenary, but said council should not "corporately hold any events celebrating partition".

SDLP councillor Martin Reilly told the meeting the many people in the council area who wish to mark the centenary should do so.

"But I also agree that council should not be supportive of partition."

Events in NI, Great Britain and further afield are being planned to commemorate the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously said the centenary should be celebrated in a "sensitive" way.